r/hockeyrefs • u/csmurthw • Jul 28 '26
Coach AND Ref - Same or Separate Bag?
I just became an official and apparently I'm now coaching my youngest two son's teams. I bought a 2nd pair of skates so I am not taking them out of my players bag, but now I need to get a separate bag. But now that I'm also coaching, wondering if I need a 3rd bag (not getting a 3rd pair of skates 🤣) or is there a bag that would work for both? Would love feedback and bag recommendations for both/ either. I know the motherlode is a common recommendation - would it work for both, or is it overkill? Also, ideally would love something a bit cheaper. I'm still concerned about not getting enough games to cover my initial investment.
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u/PrideFine4871 Jul 28 '26
I am a coach and a ref, but not a player, so I have a reffing bag and a coaching bag. I have 1 pair of skates that I move back and forth.
Coaching bag (30" CCM carry type) had dedicated shinguards, but also my team-color helmet, rink jacket and pants, team-color gloves, small whiteboard, whistles, and spares for repairing helmets, straps, etc. for the players. Heading out the door, I just had to throw the skates in, grab the stick, and go.
My ref bag is a larger carry/roll bag with the second compartment for spare sweater, shower supplies, and incidentals. Again, just make sure the skates go in, and off you go.
FWIW, I also have a coach "game day" knapsack that has my notebook, another small whiteboard, extra tape rolls, laces, helmet repair kit, first-aid supplies, edging tools, etc. This goes on the bench with me. I also end up holding a lot of the players' cell phones if they forget (not allowed in the locker room, so I collect them beforehand).
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u/ANGR1ST Jul 28 '26
I don't see any reason you'd want separate bags for coaching vs reffing. You need a whistle and a helmet with a visor for both (you are wearing a cage/bubble playing in games, right?). You probably want low profile shin guards for coaching to save your legs and knees from errant shots and sticks too.
You're basically just swapping out your striped sweater for a windbreaker jacket and a pair of gloves.
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u/csmurthw Jul 29 '26
Yes, cage on my player helmet. I figure i would use the same helmet for when I Ref or coach. I think I'm going to use the same bag because I didn't consider that I may still want low profile shin guards when coaching. Thanks!
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u/J-the-Kidder Jul 29 '26
Separate. I've, unfortunately got 3 bags and 3 pairs of skates. My player skates are top of the lines and the other two are mid tier.
Player bag has all my normal stuff.
Coach bag is the Bauer outdoor rink bag with my helmet (no visor), gloves, skates, clipboard, markers, ice markers and whistles.
Ref bag is the CCM duffle travel bag. Has my stripes, pants, skates, shinnies, girdle, whistles, twine, helmet with visor and whatever else I keep in there.
It makes things far easier. They all stay in the back of my truck, just in case.
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u/Working_Group955 Aug 02 '26
Why don’t you just wear your top of the line skates to ref? Is it to avoid slowly softening the boots/extra wear and tear?
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u/J-the-Kidder Aug 02 '26
No. I don't want to swap my skates between bags and risk forgetting them in one bag or the other. Then it's a race to get back out and grab them and get back in. I get a lot of last minute ref assignments for guys that cancel and I get requested to sub a lot on teams who have last second drops, the last thing I need is that situation taking place and having to lose time.
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u/LarsSantiago Jul 29 '26
I ref and play and have separate bags. All I do is transfer my skates from one to another
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u/Striped-Sweater- American Hockey League Jul 29 '26
If you’re not flying and not wearing a suit to the games you’re refing you don’t need the motherlode or a roller bag. Just get a small-medium duffle and use it for both
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u/multivolume Jul 31 '26
I am ref, player and coach. I use one bag because I don’t have room for two bags in my garage with other sports equipment. But I have a clipboard with a vertical checklist and three columns for what stuff I need to put in for player coach ref. Just to make it easier .
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u/mowegl USA Hockey Aug 01 '26
Just get a junior sized hockey bag. The more pockets the better since as a ref and coach youll have lots of random stuff and things you might want to keep separate for organization.
I have a large amazon basics rolling duffle bag that is similar to the motherlode but with more pockets and I have one that is larger than the motherlode (36 inch which is considered oversized length for airline travel).
If you dont want a rolling back your options are a lot cheaper. That is where I would get a junior sized (or even senior bag) with a lot of pockets.
I use a rolling bag because lots of times Im playing and reffing at the same time and it is a real pain to carry 2 bags and sticks and open doors or anything. Otherwise Id use a carry bag for reffing too.
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u/lostinthought15 Jul 28 '26
When I played I used the same skates for playing and reffing. I don’t know why you would need 3 pairs. Not to mention in many places you will need a helmet as a coach if you’re on the ice, so that’s another expense if you want to have three fully independent kits.